Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India stands “on the brink of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century” as Parliament prepares to amend the Women’s Reservation Act for implementation from 2029.
Addressing the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ ahead of a special three-day sitting of Parliament from April 16 to 18, Modi said the proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would end “decades of waiting” and mark a defining moment for women’s empowerment.
“Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past; that will fulfil the resolutions of the future,” he said.
He emphasised that the law, passed unanimously in 2023, reflected a collective political will and noted that there had been broad demand, including from the Opposition, for its implementation by 2029.
The Prime Minister said April 16-18 would be crucial dates as Parliament considers amendments to enable early implementation of the law, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
“In 2023, in the new Parliament, we took the first step… India stands on the brink of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century, a decision dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti’,” he said.
Under the current framework, the law’s implementation was linked to the delimitation exercise after the 2027 Census, effectively pushing it beyond 2034. The proposed amendments seek to advance its rollout to the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
If implemented, the measure would expand the Lok Sabha to 816 seats, with 273 reserved for women.
Modi stressed that the legislation should be implemented through “dialogue, cooperation and participation” to uphold parliamentary dignity.
Also read: All-party meeting on Apr 15 to discuss women's quota: Kharge
Highlighting growing aspirations among women, he said there was nationwide enthusiasm for greater representation in legislatures and urged women to actively engage with elected representatives.
“I appeal to all women to maintain their active participation in this entire process and meet their MPs to share their perspectives and expectations,” he said.
The Prime Minister also underlined the role of women in governance, from the freedom struggle to the Constituent Assembly, and cited the success of women’s participation in panchayati raj institutions.
“Implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will become a great opportunity… The journey from panchayat to Parliament is going to become easier,” he said.
He added that increased participation of women in decision-making had strengthened focus on issues such as water, health, education and nutrition, citing the Jal Jeevan Mission as an example.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Modi said, “The country's Nari Shakti has touched new heights through hard work, courage and self-confidence. We must collectively give new energy to this power and expand opportunities for them.”
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